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FINLAND’S LEADERSHIP IN THE OSCE 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND 

COOPERATION IN EUROPE 

ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS 

SECOND SESSION 

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 

Printed for the use of the 

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe 

[CSCE 110–2–4] 

( 

Available via http://www.csce.gov 

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE 

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH COMMISSIONERS 

HOUSE SENATE 

ALCEE L. HASTINGS, Florida, 

Chairman 

LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER, 

New York 

MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina 

HILDA L. SOLIS, California 

G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina 

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey 

ROBERT B. ADERHOLT, Alabama 

JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania 

MIKE PENCE, Indiana 

BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland, 

Co-Chairman 

RUSSELL D. FEINGOLD, Wisconsin 

CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Connecticut 

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, New York 

JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts 

SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas 

GORDON SMITH, Oregon 

SAXBY CHAMBLISS, Georgia 

RICHARD BURR, North Carolina 

EXECUTIVE BRANCH COMMISSIONERS 

VACANT, Department of State 

VACANT, Department of Defense 

VACANT, Department of Commerce 

(II) 

FINLAND’S LEADERSHIP IN THE OSCE 

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 

COMMISSIONER 

Page 

Hon. Alcee L. Hastings, Chairman, Commission on Security 

and Cooperation in Europe ..................................................... 1 

WITNESS 

H.E. Ilkka Kanerva, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, 

OSCE Chairman-in-Office ....................................................... 2 

APPENDICES 

Prepared statement of Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin, 

Co-Chairman, Commission on Security and Cooperation 

in Europe .................................................................................. 13 

Prepared statement of Hon. Christopher H. Smith, Ranking 

Member, Commission on Security and Cooperation in 

Europe ...................................................................................... 14 

Prepared statement of H.E. Ilkka Kanerva .............................. 16 

(III) 

(1) 

FINLAND’S LEADERSHIP IN THE OSCE 

February 13, 2008 

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE

WASHINGTON, DC 

The hearing was held at 11 a.m. in room B–318, Rayburn House 

Office Building, Washington, DC, Hon. Alcee L. Hastings, Chairman, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, presiding. 

Commissioner present: Hon. Alcee L. Hastings, Chairman, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. 

Witness present: Ilkka Kanerva, Minister for Foreign Affairs of 

Finland, OSCE Chairman-in-Office. 

HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS, CHAIRMAN, COMMISSION ON 

SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE 

Mr. HASTINGS. I’d like to get started. I understand that CoChairman Cardin is at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations 

Committee, where Secretary Rice is testifying on the budget. Senator Cardin’s statement will be included in the record without objection. 

As Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I am pleased to gavel 

this hearing to order and to welcome my very good friend, Minister 

Ilkka Kanerva, to Capitol Hill and today’s session on Finland’s 

leadership of the 56-nation Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. 

I’m especially delighted, Mr. Minister, that you’re appearing before us so early in your chairmanship. This provides us with a 

timely opportunity to learn your priorities for 2008 as the political 

leader of the OSCE—a complex task, given the diversity of the participating States and the diverging views among some and the 

emerging issues touching fundamental aspects of our organization 

and its mission. 

I note that the overarching themes of continuity, coherence, and 

cooperation chosen to guide your chairmanship seem most approximate to the current times, which require skill, diplomacy, yet an 

unwavering commitment to the core principles enshrined in the 

Final Act and agreed to, at least on paper, by all participating 

States, irrespective of when they joined the Helsinki Process. 

Given the mandate of this Commission, we fully support and welcome Finland’s call for greater effort by participating States to implement our common political commitments. Implementation is 

key, as the late President Gerald Ford underscored in his remarks 

in Finlandia Hall when he signed the Helsinki Accords on behalf 

2 

of the United States. I am also mindful that all participating 

States, including this country, are obligated to translate words on 

paper into actions. And I welcome the scrutiny of others when our 

own policies and practices come up short. 

Many of the challenges facing our countries, individually and collectively, are multi-dimensional in nature, encompassing the security, economic and human dimensions. From questions of energy 

security and long-standing conflicts to human trafficking and the 

plight of ethnic, religious and other minorities, each must be addressed across the spectrum of these dimensions. Finding solutions 

will require emphasis on cooperation—perhaps the part of the 

OSCE that needs more emphasis than ever before. 

As President Emeritus of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I 

especially appreciate your recognition of the unique role parliamentarians can and should play in the Helsinki Process. It is my hope 

that the parliamentary dimension will be strengthened under your 

leadership. On behalf of the entire OSCE PA leadership, let me say 

how much we are looking forward to your presence in Vienna next 

week at our Winter Meeting. I had that underscored by a call an 

hour ago from the President wanting to be assured that I, at least, 

extend an added invitation for you to attend, understanding the dynamics of your scheduling conflicts. 

Mr. Minister, I would be remiss were I not to express my appreciation for your confidence in appointing me to lead the OSCE Election Observation Mission to Georgia for their January 5 extraordinary presidential elections. I thank you for that. It was a splendid opportunity for me and for those who were observers. 

Finally, I note that the bonds between our two nations are 

strong, as we prepare to celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations 

next year. I appreciate your willingness to assume leadership of the 

OSCE, an often thankless task, and stand ready to help in any way 

I can to make this a successful year. 

Mr. Minister, the floor is yours. I thank you. As you can hear, 

the buzzer indicates a vote. OK. But I’m going to miss this vote, 

because I’m going to make this record for the Minister. He came 

all the way from Finland. They’re going to vote some more here. 

So I’ll get another opportunity. Please proceed, sir. 

H.E. ILKKA KANERVA, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF 

FINLAND, OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE 

Min. KANERVA. Thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, 

Congressman Hastings, my friend. 

Dear friends, first of all, I thank you for this opportunity to 

speak before the U.S. Helsinki Commission as a Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE. And in the first place, I would like to use the occasion to express my deepest sympathy for the passing away of the 

Congressman Tom Lantos, Chairman of the House Committee on 

Foreign Affairs, and one of the most distinguished Members of the 

U.S. Congress in recent times. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Thank you so very much for that expression. 

Min. KANERVA. It is a great pleasure to travel from Helsinki to 

Washington and to be received here by the Helsinki Commission. 

The symbolic name of your Commission reminds us of a breakthrough of the East-West relationship. It also reminds us of the 

3 

role that our country had in making the Helsinki Process become 

a reality. 

As a long-standing member of the Parliament in Finland myself, 

I fully understand the importance of the parliamentary dimension 

of the OSCE. The role of elected legislators is to embody the aspirations of our peoples and to voice their concerns in all OSCE countries. Therefore, I very warmly welcome the invitation to this hearing. 

In this spirit, I wish to reflect with you today on some of the key 

issues facing the Finnish chairmanship and the OSCE in general. 

Issues related to election observation have dominated the beginning of the Finnish chairmanship. After the ODIHR did not observe the Russian Duma elections last December, much work was 

done with the aim of securing credibility OSCE election observation 

in the forthcoming Russian Presidential elections [scheduled for 

March 2]. 

I am satisfied that we could help Russian and ODIHR to get engaged in an active dialogue to resolve their differences under parameters of the observation. The deal was very close. But unfortunately, we will not have an ODIHR election observation mission for 

the Russian Presidential elections. 

Let me be clear about my view on election observations. The 

OSCE commitments oblige the participating States to involve and 

host an OSCE election observation mission. These missions should 

cover all the key phases of the election process, encompassing candidate and voter registration, electoral campaign, media coverage, 

complaints, and appeals. The ODIHR must continue to be in a position to determine the length and size of observation missions on 

professional grounds in order to produce meaningful assessments 

and recommendations benefiting the observed country. 

Last Week, I visited both Belgrade and Prisˆtina. Kosovo is very 

much on my mind in these days. As you know, the OSCE has 

played an important role in Kosovo in establishing and consolidating local institutions, in promoting democratization, the rule of 

law, as well as human and minority rights. Because the OSCE has 

remained status neutral, it has retained the unique ability to work 

with all ethnic communities in promoting stability and democracy 

development—their democratic development. 

It is my firm belief that the OSCE work in Kosovo is beneficial 

for all Kosovars. The Finnish chairmanship has put the so-called 

frozen or protracted conflicts in Moldova, Georgia, and NagornoKarabakh at the top of our agenda. I will personally visit all of 

these regions. I have already nominated a special envoy to survey 

the progress in the process. 

One of the first things I have already done was to visit Ukraine 

and Moldova, to examine possibilities to kick start the stalled negotiation on Transdnistria conflict. The Government of Moldova and 

the leadership for Transdnistria have indicated their willingness to 

reengage and I have tasked my special envoy to see what can be 

done to take the process forward. We have acknowledged the difficulties in front of us. But we can’t give up. There is a momentum 

now to resolve all the conflicts in this way. 

In 2 weeks, I plan to visit South Caucasus, where we lately have 

witnessed worrying tensions. The Finnish chairmanship will use all 

4 

possibilities to build trust between the parties and promote conflict 

resolution in South Ossetia, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh. I will 

work closely with the three co-chairs of the Minsk Group, the 

United States, France, and Russia. 

We are also discussing whether the OSCE might eventually become active on Afghan territory. The OSCE Secretary General is 

currently collecting ideas from participating States and relevant 

international organizations. 

We have shown a great interest in developing the OSCE Human 

Dimension. I would like to briefly lay out some of our plans. And 

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts in this respect. 

The starting point of the Finnish chairmanship is that the OSCE 

is a values-based organization, that actively promotes our common 

values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We stress 

the full implementation of the human rights commitments by the 

participating States. Our main operational priorities in the Human 

Dimension are combating trafficking in human beings, promoting 

tolerance and nondiscrimination, as well as gender mainstreaming 

in all OSCE activities. 

I want to mention that this year, we will be celebrating the 60th 

anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This 

anniversary will also underline the role of the brave people who defined human rights often in difficult situations. The Finnish chairmanship will seek to increase support for our very important work 

within the OSCE. 

The Helsinki Commission embodies the long-standing engagement of the United States with the OSCE and the values that underpin it. The OSCE can only work with the full engagement of its 

participating States. The United States has always played a key 

role and must continue to do so, if we are to achieve the ambitious 

goals we have set for our organization. 

Every international organization should review its work in order 

to remain relevant to its membership. The OSCE is no exception. 

And in recent years, we have had a lively discussion on the reform 

of the OSCE. In my view, we should focus on improving the effectiveness and capacity of the OSCE to better serve the participating 

States and their citizens. Whatever it takes, we have to do it. 

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the U.S. Helsinki Commission for 

your much-appreciated support for the OSCE over the years. I 

would like to pay tribute to you, Congressman Hastings, for your 

extraordinary leadership of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. I 

am pleased to have established an excellent relationship with the 

present President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Go ̈ran 

Lennmarker of Sweden. 

I recognize the central role that the Commission has had in defining U.S. policy toward the OSCE. Perhaps the most rewarding 

recognition, however, comes from Henry Kissinger, who in a session held with the Helsinki Commission in 2005 commented that 

he did not expect that the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act 

would reach the scope and the impact that they now have. I fully 

endorse his words. The long-standing commitment of the Helsinki 

Commission has paid off. 

I thank you, Mr. Chairman, my friend, and the distinguished 

members of the Commission for your dedication and your support 

5 

for the Finnish OSCE chairmanship in 2008. Thank you very, very 

much indeed. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Thank you very much, Mr. Minister. I wish to 

just share a couple of comments and then a few questions if you 

don’t mind. One comment: I’m fond of saying it’s difficult to apologize for working. I assure you that my fellow Commissioners are 

scattered throughout the Capitol. We have sort of a truncated 

schedule. And by virtue of the fact that we are here, all of us, on 

Wednesday on both sides of the aisle, it seems that just about 

every Wednesday is the busiest day of the week. 

I saw two colleagues en route here: Mike McIntyre and Hilda 

Solis. And both of them are chairing other committees as we speak. 

Min. KANERVA. I could stay here for 1 more week. 

Mr. HASTINGS. You mentioned earlier on the election observation. 

And I wish to share with you that 2 weeks ago, I was with Secretary Rice in Columbia. And en route back, I spent time with her 

emphasizing, among other things, my hope that she would, during 

your visit here, extend the invitation to the OSCE to observe the 

upcoming American elections, that I would imagine some in the 

participating States have a keen interest in. And it would be a 

great opportunity to see many of the undertakings associated with 

our elections. 

It’s so interesting, Mr. Minister, a lot of times when I have had 

the good fortune to do election observation, I’ve heard complaints 

about polling places and their opening and closing. And all you had 

to do was be here yesterday to witness the weather, and then compare that weather with the weather we experienced in the Republic 

of Georgia in early January and wonder why some polling places 

might open later than others. I just offer that as an observation. 

The other thing that I’m particularly pleased in is your highlighting your challenges and what you would hope to continue and 

emphasize, you mentioned tolerance. And, of course, you know a lot 

of effort is put forward on related concerns by those of us here on 

the Helsinki Commission and those of us that participate at the 

parliamentary dimension with the OSCE. 

That said, the Commission recently concluded a series of hearings assessing OSCE work to combat anti-Semitism. And among 

those participating was your good friend and mine, Professor Gert 

Weisskirchen, who has the portfolio to work to combat anti-Semitism. It became clear from Gert that he and his colleagues need 

some kind of support mechanism to assist in their work. 

I know that you have reappointed the three personal representatives and I commend you for that, Mr. Minister. But are you prepared to work to put in place the helpful mechanism, perhaps with 

other Troika members, to ensure continuity for the three personal 

representatives into the future? As you would know, Senator 

Cardin and myself, as well as Representative Chris Smith, were 

among those in the parliamentary dimension and the Congress, 

who pushed for us to emphasize this critical area. 

Next week, Senator Cardin and I will be visiting the Czech Republic and will also be going to Bratislava, Slovakia. Your good 

friend and mine, Ja ́n Kubisˆ, the Slovak Foreign Minister, was here 

yesterday. Senator Cardin and I met with him and among the 

issues that we indicated that we would be interested in are subVerDate Nov 24 2008 15:54 Jan 25, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 E:\WORK\021308 HAROLD PsN: HAROLD
6 

jects having to do with minorities—in the case of Slovakia, specifically Roma and Sinti. In the Czech Republic, we are going to pursue those questions that linger with reference to anti-Semitism. 

So if you would just give me a general overview, more specifically 

dealing with the mechanism and trying to provide the assistance 

that Gert needs in order to be able to do the job. 

Min. KANERVA. May I start by saying a few words about election 

monitoring missions. In my view, it is one of the most essential activities we have in the human dimension. And I want to come back 

to the conclusion that the basic idea is to find some fresh recommendations for the nations who are trying to implement, the 

most possible way, the transparent and democratic election system 

in their own countries. 

The basic idea is not to blame anybody, and to find [inaudible] 

leaders or to say that you have the wrong political culture. No. The 

basic idea is to try to find recommendations to give a better performance in the elections for everybody. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Yes, sir. 

Min. KANERVA. And I think that we have to come back to discuss 

the basic ideas of the election monitoring. But at the same time, 

I want to say that we have been quite successful in the recent elections, including your activities in Georgia a couple weeks ago. You 

made very good work there. And we highly appreciate that. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Thank you, sir. 

Min. KANERVA. And I want to mention that it is also important 

that the ODIHR and the PA can very closely cooperate, even if they 

have different sectors in their monitoring, ODIHR is taking care of 

the long-term observation activities; PA the short-term activities. 

And they are closely combining their activities. 

And in this time, what concerns the Russian Presidential elections, it worked. ODIHR couldn’t take the mission, and neither the 

PA. It’s in the names of the credibility of the election monitoring. 

It is extremely important that we have a connection between 

ODIHR and the PA. And we have to talk about that also in the future. 

I have some ideas too. And I also hope that, when we have—in 

the nearest future, we’ll have some missions to put those election 

monitoring [inaudible] missions. But they will also have close cooperation. 

What concerns—you mentioned Professor Weisskirchen from 

Germany. I was happy to welcome him to Helsinki some weeks ago. 

He came, and we had very constructive discussions. And I also met 

him in Vienna when Finland started our activities as Chairman-inOffice. I agree that he and as well to other extent perhaps [inaudible] tolerance issues. Ambassador Orhun and Mrs. Crickley, they 

are giving their much, much-needed contribution with very, very 

little organizational support. The best way to improve the situation 

would be to task ODIHR to provide the support to their work, I 

think. 

The Finnish chairmanship will convene the next meeting between the three representatives and ODIHR in a couple of weeks. 

And we will take care of that business. Of course, I very much 

agree with you that we have to give full support for their activities. 

And then you had—what was next? 

7 

Mr. HASTINGS. Well, I think that covered those two areas. But 

I’ll move to a couple of other questions. You mentioned—and I very 

much appreciate you highlighting in your remarks a determination 

to ensure continued OSCE engagement in Kosovo. Mr. Chairmanin-Office, I can tell you that that area of the world and the ongoing 

concerns are uppermost in the minds of many of us. 

Yesterday, when I met with Foreign Minister Kubisˆ, I raised a 

subject with him. And he indicated that his country, if Kosovo 

seeks independence, would likely do two things. And I was interested in how he put it. They would be cautious and not immediately observe Kosovo’s independence, if they make such a declaration. As he anticipated, it would happen on the 17th of this 

month. And at the same time, Slovakia would be guided by ongoing 

events in the European Union. And I found that at least temporizing. 

But my overall concern is drawn again from my personal experience. In June, I was in Prisˆtina and Mitrovica. And I can tell you 

of the OSCE mission work there that I had an opportunity to observe. They’re on-the-ground work. 

The OSCE mission in Kosovo complemented by the tremendous 

activities that the KFOR forces put forward to keep the peace there 

is one of, in my judgment, the most successful OSCE missions, and 

professional, and capable of working with the various factions in 

that area. 

Now, as you and I know, they have become, in some respects— 

the OSCE mission—the pivot off of which our good friends in Russia seem to place great emphasis on these missions are not worthy, 

according to them. I don’t know whether it is just their success in 

Kosovo, or whether it’s perceived that they are one-sided or not objective. 

But I certainly—I always ask the question compared to what? If 

there was no OSCE mission or had not been for the last number 

of years, what would be the situation on the ground there today? 

And how much closer would the parties be to arriving at a resolution of what is, by anybody’s standards, a substantial conflict? 

So I’ve taken a long time to posit a question. But I’d be interested to know specifically what it is that you plan, Mr. Minister; 

and how, if at all, we in the Helsinki Commission can complement 

your efforts. 

Min. KANERVA. Thank you. First of all, I’m more or less speculating when saying that most probably there will be a declaration 

and a recognition process as well. And I think that a good guess 

could be that actually immediately after the declaration, those recommendations will take place. 

But the challenge is afterwards. It’s going to—— 

Mr. HASTINGS. Indeed—— 

Min. KANERVA [continuing.] To happen in the area among the 

people mainly. And when speculating, I have to say that I do hope 

that they will very carefully consider what is most important—the 

safety and well-being of all people, including minorities in Kosovo; 

or a decision based just on one of many principles in the Final Act 

of Helsinki ’75. So when I visited Belgrade and Prisˆtina just last 

week, I have a picture what is needed in the area. If they will use 

veto—we don’t know, but anyway, if they will use a veto [at the 

8 

OSCE], some kind of winding down process will take 3, 4 months, 

something like that. 

But we can’t remain passive. We have to do something on our 

side as well at the same time. And it means that the negotiations 

must start immediately on the terms of the new OSCE engagement 

in Kosovo. I think that it is very, very needed. The KFOR will remain there. Their status is very clear. We know that unique operation of the OSCE must continue there, so that human rights monitoring occurs all over Kosovo, including the north, as you mentioned, as some minority enclaves as well. 

The mandate of the new OSCE presence in Kosovo would attempt to capitalize on its strengths, so other international actors 

can, in a more targeted manner, focus on their own strengths. But, 

at the same time, the OSCE needs to be prepared to down size its 

activities and in a short period of time at that, have another actor 

replace it in undertaking its unique operations. 

And what is also needed—and I want to underline here, we do 

hope in Europe—is that the United States will also remain in 

Kosovo. We really need your presence and your very much indeed 

in the area. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Yes, sir. 

Min. KANERVA. Those are most sensitive and delicate challenges 

in Kosovo today. So capacity building in support and implementing 

elements of the standards put forward by the U.N. special envoy 

Ahtisaari. And this is the most important idea and most important 

element in the process, also afterwards. And in the name of 

Ahtisaari plan, I want to say that we will do our best, our utmost, 

to get the new mandate for the OSCE, if the mandate will be used 

by some countries. 

And I have the promise that some critical countries—I don’t 

want to name any names. But I have an impression that they understand that there’s a need to continue the presence of the OSCE 

as well after the independence process. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Well, I certainly hope so. I understand also from 

your remarks that you plan to visit Azerbaijan soon as part of a 

visit to the South Caucasus region. Are you prepared, Mr. Minister, 

to raise the deterioration of conditions for media with officials in 

Baku? 

And, in addition, there seemed to be substantial numbers of controversial arrests there. And I would urge that you at least put it 

on their agenda that those matters be looked at. But certainly, the 

emphasis on the conditions of the media; or, better put, what is it 

that you plan? And again, we are hopeful at all times to be complimentary of your effort by under girding them with appropriate 

hearings and briefings here and reports as well as visits of our 

own. 

Min. KANERVA. You are really well-informed about my schedules 

and my travel plans. I’m really preparing my visit. And I do hope 

that I will be very well-informed about the circumstances about 

Azerbaijan. Of course, we know that we have very many concerns 

there today—— 

Mr. HASTINGS. Yes, sir. 

Min. KANERVA [continuing.] Including, for example, media and 

some other delicate problems. And I hope that, for example, the 

9 

freedom of media will be something we can really support and upgrade; and take the note that these kind of basic elements of the 

area, of the nation, must be handled in the proper way. 

Mr. HASTINGS. With your permission, we will provide to your 

good offices information that we have collected on the media situation, so that you may use your good offices and peruse this matter. 

I also am aware that you talked about the fragile situation in Afghanistan. And I also am mindful that Finland is actively present 

on the ground in that country. How would you, Mr. Chair-in-Office, 

assess the prospects of the OSCE to play a role in assisting that 

OSCE Partner country in the numerous challenges that it faces? 

Min. KANERVA. Yes. All of us, are aware of related decisions 

made in Madrid 2 months ago. I was happy to notice that we could 

make some common conclusions in matters concerning Afghanistan. Afghanistan is very actively part of our Finnish political debate. And we had a broad discussion on that country in the Finnish 

Parliament just some weeks ago. What will be our own, our national, responsibility, in Afghanistan? And you know that we want 

to increase gradually our responsibility by training those [inaudible] processes and training the Army officials to take care of the 

situation in Afghanistan, and to explore how the OSCE could contribute to the long-term security and stability in Afghanistan; and 

to show it ideas for the U.S. engagement in this initial bit. 

But it is extremely important that also the OSCE will be there. 

And the Secretary General of our Organization is now seeking proposals from the participating States on what this cooperation could 

include. And I hope that, even if Finland is not a big country, but 

our model and our attitude could also provide some kind of example for the other small nations, so that financial and personal resources support border security projects in Tajikistan, for example, 

which borders on Afghanistan. 

I trust that, for example, capacity building for border, customs, 

and police personnel of Afghanistan will be supported by all OSCE 

countries. And just now I underline this kind of approach concerning Afghanistan, and our organization’s support. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Yes, sir. Mr. Chair-in-Office, for all the years that 

you and I have been friends and each of us and colleagues of ours 

having participated actively in the fundamental work of the OSCE, 

we continue to not be able to perpetuate the good will that, from 

time to time, surfaces with our friends in Russia; and then seemingly tapers off. 

In your remarks, you highlighted that this is the year that we’ll 

be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of 

Human Rights. Only as a stream of conscious and with no firm recommendation, but I would follow up in personal conversations with 

you about trying to draw together at least some—I don’t like the 

term ‘‘council of elders’’, because I then put myself in that category 

age-wise. But it doesn’t always mean age. Sometimes it’s experience. 

But we need dialogue in the OSCE, and we need engagement. 

We need people that know each other to a relative degree and can 

have meaningful discussions while maintaining mutual respect. 

Government-to-government, there are relations. Finland has good 

relations with Russia as would be expected. The United States 

10 

seems to blow hot and cold insofar as various administrations are 

concerned. 

But those of us that are really in the inner workings of interfacing with this country have our responsibilities as well. I, for example, didn’t mention to you when I was in Finland, but when I 

became Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I specifically chose 

the subject of energy security to highlight that; not to get rid of the 

human rights aspect of what we do or the lecture and observations, 

but to put a different light on an area of critical importance for all 

of the participating States. 

So I would hope that you will give thought to developing a group 

that maybe could advise you and the Troika and come together 

from time to time to try to reduce these tensions. If we were to tick 

them off, Russia seems to be upset about election observation. 

Well, what motivated me personally to address Secretary Powell, 

who in turn accepted that recommendation and extended, for the 

first time in 2004 rather—the election observation of American 

elections. I thought Russia was right. And I said so. If I—me, I had 

been to Russia and numerous other countries observing elections. 

And it seems only right that they should be able to come to Ft. 

Lauderdale or to my home and observe mine. 

So let me use another example. One of the things that the Russians say is that we spend a lot of time addressing the frozen conflicts. And I don’t think we should reduce anything. If anything, we 

should intensify, as you have indicated in your outstanding proposals, our efforts to try and resolve those ongoing conflicts. 

But I think that they’re correct when they say but we don’t place 

very much emphasis on conflicts in the West. And if I just use the 

bass (ph) as the for example, we go to Madrid all the time. But it’s 

almost as if it’s an elephant in the room. We never really are about 

the business of trying to address it. 

And there are other areas in the West. Fortunately much of what 

took place in the United Kingdom has resolved itself. But it certainly wasn’t with the OSCE pushing anything. 

So I guess what I’m calling for is this. If I know Speaker Gryzlov, 

and if I know Foreign Minister Lavrov, and if other Members of 

Congress, Republican and Democrat here and in other parliaments 

and in other ministries, know these people, then there must be 

some 20 or 30 of us that could have an emphasis with some regularity, if nothing but annually, to see if we can be among the ones 

that bridge differences and with specific emphasis on the OSCE. 

The OSCE is one organization that is really doing something 

that is meaningful—and maybe that’s why we come under the kind 

of attack that we do—it’s the one organization that people seem to 

want to diminish. My government just recently has offered a 20- 

percent cut in its contribution to the OSCE. I disagree with that. 

And I said so to Secretary Rice. I think it is particularly harmful. 

And I’m hopeful, in another administration, Republican or Democrat—McCain, Obama, or Clinton or whoever gets elected—that I 

will be one of the ones that will say to them restore these funds 

for the OSCE and its missions in order to be able to accomplish 

things that are beneficial for this country and for the 55 other participating States. 

11 

Now, in there somewhere may be something that you’ll react to. 

We’ll let that be the final—— 

Min. KANERVA. Sir, we know that our organization is the specific 

one to cover the major geographical area from Vancouver to Vladivostok. And even if we are facing some troubles now and then, I 

think that for Russia, the OSCE is anyway a special one. They 

don’t have too many forums to be involved in the problems we try 

testing in our area. And that’s why I think that some claim that 

inside our organization, there’s a too-strong polarization. I don’t totally agree with that. 

Of course, the main thing is that we have interdependence in our 

organization. And we have to understand that. Are we from West? 

Or are we from East? And we need that kind of values. 

My idea is to keep some kind of balance between the different 

baskets—between the three baskets. It’s not the mathematical effort. It’s not a mathematical issue. No. It’s a political one. There 

must be political, economic and military division in a way. And you 

know the baskets are different. And we know that, today, Russia 

is saying that we are just dealing with those human dimension 

problems. 

And we are, very much indeed; because they are so important for 

us. But we are also dealing with those conflicts. 

Mr. HASTINGS. That’s right. 

Min. KANERVA. Which are very important for the Russians. But 

we are not dealing with the conflicts on the area of Russia, which— 

in Russia’s interest CIS area. No. We have conflicts wherever. And 

if our experience can help those conflicts, to resolve the problems 

in those conflicts, we are ready to do it. We are ready to try. We 

don’t give up at all. 

Mr. HASTINGS. Right. 

Min. KANERVA. And we are ready to do it together with Russia. 

We don’t plan. We don’t block them. And we need them, very much 

indeed. And the only constructive idea also in the future then when 

they are trying to promote East to get Russia involved in the international community in various ways. And I’m ready to follow your 

ideas and try to think over your suggestion. Thank you very, very 

much indeed. 

Mr. HASTINGS. No, thank you, Mr. Chair-in-Office. And I am certainly grateful to your fine Ambassador who works very actively 

with us. And it’s deeply appreciated as well as those that accompany you, with your staff. They are outstanding. And again, I express my regret at not being able to be in Helsinki for a longer period of time. 

But I assure you, somewhere along my travels and your continuing efforts on behalf of the OSCE, that I am hopeful of being 

able to get another opportunity to visit with you in Finland. And 

if you would please give my best to the Speaker of your Parliament. 

And I appreciated his courtesies as well when I was in Helsinki. 

So enjoy yourself while you are here. And I hope our weather 

gets better. There were several Members, particularly Ms. Solis, 

that had questions. And with your permission, we will submit them 

to you. And maybe you could respond for the record of this hearing. 

12 

Min. KANERVA. Thank you very, very much. 

Mr. HASTINGS. This hearing is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 11:55 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.] 

13 

A P P E N D I C E S 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, COCHAIRMAN, COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION 

IN EUROPE 

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity to engage with the 

Foreign Minister in his capacity as Chairman-in-Office of the 

OSCE for 2008. Indeed, Finland has provided important leadership 

in the Helsinki Process, predating the signing of the 1975 Helsinki 

Final Act. It is good to have a steady hand at the helm, especially 

as the OSCE faces potentially rough waters ahead during this year 

and beyond. 

My personal involvement with OSCE dates back to the struggle 

of Soviet Jewry in the dark days of the U.S.S.R. This year marks 

15 years of service on this Commission and it was in Helsinki that 

same year that I began my active involvement in the work of the 

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. These years have witnessed the 

lows of a genocidal war in Bosnia, bloody conflict in Chechnya, and 

repression in Kosovo. But we have also seen promising signs, with 

popular revolts in Serbia, Georgia and Ukraine. The work of the 

OSCE, in all of its dimensions, is far from over with much to be 

done to bring healing from the legacy of past and lingering conflicts 

to helping those seeking to consolidate democracy, human rights, 

and the rule of law. 

The Helsinki Commission continues to play a unique role in the 

Helsinki Process. One such example concerns the spike of anti-Semitic violence that broke out in numerous participating States earlier this decade. In a bipartisan effort, Commissioners responded, 

making use of the OSCE PA and other avenues to elevate attention 

within the OSCE to the distinctive threat posed by anti-Semitism 

and related violence. We appreciate your prompt reappointment of 

the three personal representatives on tolerance, including one with 

a portfolio specifically covering anti-Semitism. I also note your 

plans to host an expert meeting on hate crimes this year. 

In recent weeks we have convened a series of hearings to assess 

the ongoing work of the OSCE in this regard and have heard from 

experts, including Professor Weisskirchen. These sessions have confirmed the importance of maintaining a distinct focus on anti-Semitism, and resisting attempts by some to reduce the attention under 

some kinds of generic tolerance rubric. It has also become clear 

that the personal representatives need some form of meaningful 

support mechanism. Perhaps some arrangement could be put in 

place by the troika of past, present, and future OSCE chairs, to ensure continuity. 

Mr. Minister, over the years the United States has played an important leadership role in promoting the core principles enshrined 

in the Final Act. Effective leadership, however, requires that America lead by example when it comes to implementation of commitments, participation in meetings at all levels, and matching our desire for the OSCE to play a robust role with the necessary resources. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

14 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, 

RANKING MINORITY MEMBER, COMMISSION ON SECURITY 

AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to Minister Kanerva, 

and to everyone who has joined us this morning. 

Minister, I appreciate your commitment as Chairman-in-Office of 

the OSCE to keep the fight against human trafficking at the top 

of the OSCE’s agenda. Recently I was appointed the OSCE PA 

President’s Special Representative on Human Trafficking, and so I 

look forward to working with you on this issue. 

The OSCE countries have made a lot of progress in the fight 

against trafficking. Many of them have passed national legislation 

and created national programs of action, above all for helping the 

victims of trafficking. But much remains to be done: each year 

within the OSCE region between one and two hundred thousand 

people are trafficked in the OSCE region. We cannot accept this! 

So I welcome the energy your country, Finland, has brought to 

the fight against trafficking, especially its stress on prevention as 

well as its attention to child victims. In this regard, I understand 

that Finland plans to convene a series of meetings later this year 

on human trafficking. I would like to suggest that the OSCE put 

a more sustained focus on the sexual exploitation of children 

through trafficking, sex tourism and child pornography. The nature 

of these heinous crimes against children demands concerted cooperation and action on the part of the OSCE countries. 

As you may know, my good friends Senator Ben Cardin and Representative Alcee Hastings and I used this Commission as a forum 

to lead a bipartisan effort to raise the issue of human trafficking. 

This Commission held its first hearing on trafficking in June 1999, 

and I vividly recall the dismissive attitudes so many took at that 

time. Irrefutable evidence of the prevalence of this horrible crime 

has since convinced the doubters. 

The result of those efforts was that we passed three major pieces 

of trafficking legislation—The Trafficking Victim’s Protection Act of 

2000 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Acts 

of 2003 and 2005, while another reauthorization has passed the 

House and is awaiting action in the United States Senate. 

So this Commission has a great history of achievement in the 

fight against trafficking, and I thank Representative Hastings for 

maintaining that focus, both on the Commission and as one of the 

things this Commission brings to the OSCE. 

I also want to stress the importance of keeping the OSCE sharply focused on anti-Semitism—one of the most persistent evils in the 

OSCE region. 

Also as a result of hearings held by this Commission, my good 

friends and I convinced the OSCE to take up the fight against antiSemitism. We held annual conferences, and the OSCE States made 

commitments in fact-gathering and education that should make a 

real difference in the fight against anti-Semitism. 

But two weeks ago, at a hearing called by my good friend Mr. 

Hastings, we learned that many OSCE countries have not followed 

through. Within the OSCE, when it comes to the fight against the 

pernicious hate of anti-Semitism, human rights fatigue and indifVerDate Nov 24 2008 15:54 Jan 25, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 E:\WORK\021308 HAROLD PsN: HAROLD
15 

ference is all too apparent. I saw it myself at the OSCE conference 

in Bucharest last June. 

I appeal to you, in your term as Chairman-in-Office, not to allow 

the OSCE to give in to this fatigue and indifference! Anti-Semitism 

remains what it has always been, a unique evil, a distinct form of 

intolerance, the oldest form of religious bigotry, and a malignant 

disease of the heart that has often led to murder. It continues to 

threaten our Jewish brothers and sisters, and so the OSCE must 

redouble its efforts in the fight against the scourge of anti-Semitism. 

16 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF H.E.ILKKA KANERVA, MINISTER 

FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE 

Mr Chairman, Honorable Congressman Hastings 

Distinguished Members of the Helsinki Commission, 

I thank you for this opportunity to speak before the United 

States Helsinki Commission as the Chairman-in-Office of the 

OSCE. I would like to use this occasion to express my deepest sympathy for the passing away of the Honorable Tom Lantos, Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs and one of the most distinguished members of the United States Congress in recent times. 

It is a great pleasure to travel from Helsinki to Washington and 

be received here by the Helsinki Commission. The symbolic name 

of your Commission reminds us of a breakthrough in East-West relations. It also reminds us Finns of the role that our country had 

in making it happen. 

As a longstanding member of parliament myself, I fully understand the importance of the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE. 

The role of elected legislators is to embody the aspirations of our 

peoples and to voice their concerns in all OSCE countries. Therefore, I warmly welcomed the invitation to this hearing. 

Mr Chairman, 

Since the time when the CSCE was born in Helsinki in 1975, Europe has been transformed for the better. Divisions that once 

seemed permanent have been swept away, and liberty has been restored to entire regions and societies. 

Nonetheless, we still have much work to do. While the front lines 

of the Cold War have been transformed into tourist attractions, 

there is the risk of new divisions taking hold in the OSCE area. 

Old threats have taken a new shape, longstanding conflicts remain 

unresolved and new challenges require firm and unified responses. 

But as the Chairman-in-Office I see that these challenges could 

also provide an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and vitality of the basic OSCE values of democracy, human rights and the 

rule of law. 

In this spirit, I wish to reflect with you today some of the key 

issues facing the Finnish Chairmanship and the OSCE in general. 

Mr Chairman, 

Issues related to election observation have dominated the beginning of the Finnish Chairmanship. After the ODIHR did not observe the Russian Duma elections last December, much work went 

into an effort to secure credible OSCE election observation in the 

forthcoming Russian presidential elections. 

I am satisfied that we could help Russia and the ODIHR to engage in an active dialogue to resolve their differences on the parameters of the observation. The deal was close. But unfortunately 

we will not have an ODIHR election observation mission to the 

Russian Presidential Elections. We also will not have an OSCE 

Parliamentary Assembly mission in Russia this time. 

Let me be clear about the Chairman’s view on election observation. The OSCE commitments oblige the participating States to invite and host an OSCE election observation mission. These missions should cover all the key phases of the electoral process—candidate and voter registration, electoral campaign, media coverage, 

complaints and appeals. The ODIHR must continue to be in a posiVerDate Nov 24 2008 15:54 Jan 25, 2011 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 E:\WORK\021308 HAROLD PsN: HAROLD
17 

tion to determine the length and size of observation missions on 

professional grounds, in order to produce a meaningful assessment 

and recommendations benefiting the observed country. 

The ultimate aim of election observation is to support the hosting 

country in enhancing its democratic process. The recent observation missions in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Georgia have all produced tangible recommendations to bolster the democratic institutions of their host countries. I also expect the election observation 

mission in the forthcoming Armenian presidential elections to do 

the same. 

I am convinced that continued dialogue on election-related issues 

among the participating States—with the involvement of the OSCE 

Parliamentary Assembly—is essential in the OSCE. We should all 

be willing to engage with a constructive attitude. 

Mr Chairman, 

Last week I visited both Belgrade and Prisˆtina. Kosovo is very 

much on your mind these days—as it is certainly on my mind. 

The OSCE has played an important role in Kosovo—in establishing and consolidating local institutions, in promoting democratization, the rule of law, as well as human and minority rights. Because the OSCE has remained ‘‘status-neutral,’’ it has retained a 

unique ability to work with all ethnic communities in promoting 

stability and democratic development. It is my firm belief that the 

OSCE work in Kosovo is and will be beneficial to all Kosovars. 

The outcome of the status process could have a negative impact 

on the OSCE’s engagement in Kosovo. You are well aware that the 

OSCE participating States remain deeply divided over the issue. 

This disagreement could lead to the current Mission’s termination. 

It would be a grave mistake for the OSCE and the entire international community if we were to leave it at that. 

I am determined to ensure continued OSCE engagement in 

Kosovo regardless of the status process. I am aware of the fact that 

any participating State has the possibility to use a veto and to end 

the mandate of the present mission—the mission which at the moment comprises 800 people and which has an immense effect on 

the viability of the civil society. Should this happen, I am prepared 

to immediately start the negotiations on a revised mandate for the 

OSCE mission. I am convinced that all participating States agree 

on the need for continued OSCE engagement in Kosovo. 

Mr Chairman, 

The Finnish Chairmanship has put the so called frozen or protracted conflicts in Moldova, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh at the 

top of our agenda. I will personally visit all the conflict regions. I 

have already nominated a special envoy to promote any useful negotiations on conflict resolution. 

One of the first things I have done was to visit Ukraine and 

Moldova to examine possibilities to kick-start the stalled negotiations on the Moldova—Transnistria conflict. The government of 

Moldova and the leadership of Transnistria indicated their willingness to re-engage and I have tasked my special envoy to see what 

can be done to take the process forward. I acknowledge the difficulties in front of us but we cannot give up. The parties should be encouraged to engage in serious negotiations, and any momentum 

created should be fully used. 

18 

In two weeks time I plan to visit Southern Caucasus, where we 

have witnessed worrying tensions lately. The Finnish Chairmanship will use all possibilities to build trust between the parties and 

promote conflict resolution in South Ossetia, Georgia and in 

Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I will work 

closely with the three Co-chairs of the Minsk Group, the United 

States, France and Russia. 

Mr Chairman, 

Ministers pledged in the Madrid meeting last November to intensify OSCE activities to secure the borders between the Central 

Asian States and Afghanistan. The ministers also decided to enhance the involvement of the OSCE with Afghanistan—especially 

in areas related to border security and management, policing and 

the fight against drug trafficking. 

This work is now underway on two tracks. 

In Madrid, I listened to my Tajik colleague’s worries about their 

over 750 mile border with Afghanistan and their wish to increase 

co-operation with the OSCE to ensure better and more secure border management. He said that if this border is not holding, it 

means a great danger for the whole Central Asian region. This is 

why we have to do all we can for the security of Afghanistan, Central Asia and the OSCE area in general. These projects must lead 

to a long-term OSCE commitment to Central Asian border security 

and management. I regard this as a priority. Finland will contribute financial and personnel resources to get this work speedily 

underway. 

At the same time we are discussing whether the OSCE might 

eventually become active on Afghan territory. The OSCE Secretary 

General is currently collecting ideas from participating States and 

relevant international organizations. 

Mr Chairman, 

Your Commission has shown great interest in developing the 

OSCE human dimension. I would like to briefly lay out some of our 

plans, and I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts in this 

respect. 

The starting point of the Finnish Chairmanship is that the 

OSCE is a value-based organization that actively promotes our 

common values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. 

We stress the full implementation of the human rights commitments by the participating States. 

Our main operational priorities in the human dimension are 

combating trafficking in human beings, promoting tolerance and 

non-discrimination as well as gender mainstreaming in all OSCE 

activities. 

In the past 10 years or so, the OSCE has engaged in combating 

all forms of human trafficking. Many OSCE countries have developed much needed cross-dimensional and victim-centred approaches to human trafficking, established co-ordinating structures 

and elaborated national programmes of action. However, much 

needs to be done to tackle this form of modern-day slavery. 

Europe continues to be plagued by the rise of intolerance, including a resurgence of anti-Semitism. The Finnish Chairmanship will 

seek ways to promote tolerance and fight all forms of discrimination within the OSCE. Our aim is that the emphasis would be on 

19 

the implementation of the tolerance and non-discrimination commitments. Parliamentarians have a vital role to play in debating 

tolerance issues and in passing laws against discrimination. 

This year we will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This anniversary will also underline the role of the brave people who defend human rights often 

in difficult situations. The Finnish Chairmanship will seek to increase support for their invaluable work. 

Mr Chairman, 

Every international organization should review its work in order 

to remain relevant to its membership. The OSCE is not exception 

and in recent years we have had a lively discussion on the reform 

of the OSCE. In my view we should focus on improving the OSCE’s 

effectiveness and its capacity to better serve the participating 

States and their citizens. 

The Madrid ministerial decision to grant the OSCE Chairmanship to Greece in 2009, Kazakhstan in 2010 and Lithuania in 2011 

offers us an unprecedented opportunity for long-term planning of 

the Organization’s activities. I have invited my colleagues from the 

future Chairmanships of Kazakhstan and Lithuania to meet with 

the current Troika countries Spain, Finland and Greece to develop 

ideas for longer-term priorities. I am convinced there are many 

issues where the ‘‘Quintet’’ can add value and lead to more coherent OSCE action in the next few years. 

We are facing challenging times in international politics. These 

tensions are reflected also in the OSCE. This is why the Organization needs clearly defined priorities, on which its activities can be 

planned. The Finnish Chairmanship will do its utmost to maintain 

a forward movement in the OSCE in spite of the present difficulties. 

Mr. Chairman, 

The Helsinki Commission embodies the longstanding engagement of the United States with the OSCE and the values that underpin it. The OSCE can only work with the full engagement of its 

participating States. The United States has always played a key 

role, and must continue to do so, if we are to achieve the ambitious 

goals we have set for our Organization. 

I want to thank the Unites States Helsinki Commission for its 

much-appreciated support for the OSCE over the years. I would 

like to pay tribute to you, Congressman Hastings, for your extraordinary leadership of the Parliamentary Assembly, and I am pleased 

to have established an excellent relationship with the present 

President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Go ̈ran Lennmarker 

of Sweden. 

I recognize the central role that the Commission has had in defining United States policy in the OSCE. Perhaps the most rewarding recognition, however, comes from Henry Kissinger, who in a 

hearing held before the Helsinki Commission in 2005 confessed 

that he did not expect that the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act 

would reach the scope and the impact that they now have. I fully 

endorse his words. The long-standing commitment of the Commission has paid off. 

20 

I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the distinguished Members of 

the Commission for your dedication and your support for the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship in 2008. 

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